The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1887-01-13
POPULAR HYMNS.


They Were written, and Who Wrote
Them.
In the most instances the writer's
whom I shall refer to, in their time,
were voluminous in one department or
another of literature, yet each one will
be recalled to-day because he or she
was the author of single hymn which
has descended to us freighted with such
beauty and sweetness as renders it in
capable of being forgotten. Toplady
wrote the "Rock of Ages a hymn
which is very precious to all Christians,
and one of which they never grow
weary. He was educated for the min
istry, and began his labors among the
Devonshire hills. in England, in the
year 1868. He is said to have been of a
somewhat unpleasant disposition on
frequent occasions, but whenever he
swept the Tyre all the deep passions of
his nature melted into tender, holy
song. "Come Thy Fount of Every
Blessing" was written by Robert Rob-
inson. and was the earliest of his
many lyrics. He was convert un-
der the preaching of the great White
field, but was vascillating with respect
to his church connections and faith,
first becoming Methodist, next an In
dependent, then Baptist, and at lasts
Socinian. in which latter belief he died in
1890. "All Hail the Power of Jesus
Name" was written by Rev. Edward
Perronet. He was reared in the Church
of England, in which connection his
father was prominent clergyman, but,
after time, the younger Perronet left
this communion and labored under the
patronage of the somewhat celebrated
Lady Huntington. As minister he
was successful. and earnest in all he
did, but probably his greatest influence
has been exerted through the medium
of this one hymn. "Come ye Sinners,
Poor and Needy" which is always an
especial favorite during seasons of re-
ligious awakening, was composed by
one Joseph Hart, native of London, in
which city he was born in 1712. TIM
othy Dwight, one of the early presi-
dents of Yale College, was author of
II Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" hymn
very dear to the church everywhere.
DR.. Dwight wrote something like half
dozen volumes Of theological char
acter; yet, while these are largely for
gotten, this one exquisite version of the
18th Psalm will live for all time.
Walter Shirley, an English knight,
as also preacher, died in 1896.
He was one of the celebrated
Penn's converts, and labored with
much success both in England and,
Ireland. He composed that grand
hymn, "Sweet the Moments, Rich in
Blessing" The author of ''Just as l
am, without one Plea" was Miss Char
lotte Elliott, daughter of Charles
Elliott, of Clapham, England. She
passed most of her years an invalid,
and died in 1871. One of the most
popular hymns among all religious
bodies is Nearer, my God, to Thee"
Miss Sarah Fuller Flower wrote it. She
was the second daughter of Benjamin
Flower, of England. She married in
1884 civil engineer by the name of
Adams. She died in 1s49, at the age
of forty-four, and lies buried near Har-
low, in Essex. "Son of my Soul, Thou
Saviour, Dear" was composed by John
Keble, an English clergyman, and,
though he is remembered as the author
of many books, the one effort of his by
which his name will longest live is this
beautiful hymn. He died in 1927.
That hymn which has made Rev. Ray
Palmer's name household word in
thousands Of Christian homes in all
lands is "Olivet," beginning with the
words "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" No
more popular hymn has been
produced in any age than
this one. characterized as it is
by great grace and power. When the
evangelists Moody and Sankey were Ia
boring in Scotland, several years ago,
the latters attention was called to
little poem of sacred nature written
by Scotch lady, Miss Elizabeth C.
Clephane. He was greatly struck by
it's singular quaintnest as well as sweet
ness, and, l believe, with the permits
sion of its author, welded simple air
to it. Since that time Mr. Sankey has
employed this hymn very freely in his
work in connection with his associate,
Mr.. Moody. 1t is very justly popular,
and, l think. so long as hymns are
used, the NINETY and Nine" will be
among the number. What hymn. or.
indeed, what service has Charles Wes-
lev written or done which will endear